“Recently, a freight train loaded with construction materials overturned as it was heading toward Samjiyon from Hyesan,” said a Ryanggang Province-based source on July 23.

“The materials on the train were damaged and several people were injured.”

The train was reportedly heading to Samjiyon, which has been heralded by North Korea as the “holy site of the revolution,” with materials intended for use in modernizing the city.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on a recent visit to Samjiyon, called for the early completion of construction efforts, which began in 2015 and were completed last month shortly after the leader’s visit.

“The authorities are more focused on the damaged goods than the people who were hurt,” said the source. “They have mobilized residents living nearby the accident site to help recover the materials.” .......